He locked up, and they walked to the elevator. “No, I want this to be a celebration, and I like looking at you.”
“Oh.” The blush deepened with a dreamy smile.
Kari had to kiss him. When the elevator door opened, Kari was back to struggling with his need. He guided Bowie outside and reiterated to himself that theywere going to eat out.
At the waiting car, Kari helped Bowie before walking around to get in. “Good evening, Miles. L’Experience, please.”
“Yes, sir.”
The car glided into the traffic, and Kari placed a hand on top of Bowie’s. “Do you like French food? Though the restaurant does cater to any taste.”
“I like all food, Da…” he glanced at Miles anxiously.
“It’s fine if you want to call me daddy, Babycakes” Kari reassured quickly, making sure his voice didn’t carry, gently squeezing the hand he held.
Bowie didn’t answer, but nodded.
Sensing things could go sideways if Bowie got stressed, Kari searched for a topic of conversation that would keep the mood light. “Did you get to sample the brownie that Frey was bragging about yesterday?”
“I did. But it wasn’t as good as Monty’s. I didn’t tell Frey that though, or the woman who made it. She was nice and friendly.”
“I bet it wasn’t as good as yours either.” Bowie was an absolute genius at baking, as Kari and his waistline could both attest to.
The giggles answered for him as Bowie snuggled into Kari’s side. “I can’t wait for when Emmy can have more than milk. Frey’s gonna do some research on what a baby is allowed, but I’ve already looked. Too much sugar isn’t good, so I’ll need to be careful.”
Kari breathed in Bowie’s delicious scent, kissing the top of his head. “I know you will be.”
He listened to Bowie talk about plant foods that could be substituted in cakes. His enthusiasm over finding things to feed Emmy gave Kari pause for thought.
“Would you like a child one day?”
Bowie tensed against him. “I… would you?”
The car pulled to a stop, and Kari shelved the conversation for now. Exiting the vehicle, he asked Bowie to wait and went to open the door. Escorting him into the restaurant, Kari watched Bowie glance about, eyes widening. His nose twitched next, then he groaned when his gaze landed on the glass cabinet full of desserts.
“Look at those!” he exclaimed excitedly.
“Not before dinner,” Kari reiterated more for himself because the look of longing Bowie wore was something he found impossible to resist.
A woman dressed all in black approached, smiling. “Good evening gentlemen, do you have a reservation?”
“We do.” Kari gave the name, and they were escorted to a table he’d requested by the window that gave them a view of the ornamental gardens outside. It was early enough that they could see the sun setting. Kari helped Bowie into his seat, placed his napkin on his lap, and kissed his cheek before moving to take his own seat.
He paid no attention to those at the other tables, when Bowie looked dazed from the special attention. They ordered their food, and Kari picked a bottle of sweet champagne he knew Bowie would like. The service was seamless, and, judging by the gusto with which Bowie ate, the food was superb. Kari couldn’t concentrate on anything other than Bowie who got giggly and more effervescent the more wine he drank.
By the time he’d munched his way through his dessert and half of Kari’s, which he’d fed him when those big doe eyes had landed on his plate with so much hope, Kari was ready to throw in the towel. His suit jacket barely covered his reaction to Bowie’s enjoyment and the noises he made, licking at Kari’s spoon.
He’s romanced enough, his wolf snarled.
Kari agreed. Instead of waiting for the server to bring the bill, he got up, fastened his suit jacket and went to pay. If he marched more than strolled back to the car, there was little Kari could do about it. He’d had a wonderful day and done everything to show Bowie how special he was.
He prayed he’d achieved it because it was time to claim his mate.
In the car, Kari didn’t hesitate to move Bowie onto his lap, uncaring of the audience, and strapped them both in together before Miles drove off.
Bowie wriggled about, his ass giving Kari’s cock a treat that made it leak in his boxer briefs. The scent of arousal coming from Bowie proved he wasn’t the only one affected. Bowie nuzzled into his neck, his lips leaving a path of fire in their wake. Kari knew Bowie wasn’t trying to be seductive, which made it even more enticing.
Kari stifled a groan when Bowie’s teeth grazed his erratic pulse.
